OSWEGO COUNTY – Avian (H5N1) influenza, more commonly known as “bird flu,” has been widespread across New York State since 2022. While the risk to public health is low, the Oswego County Health Department reminds residents to follow safe, sanitary practices to avoid infection.
“We don’t have surveillance for ‘bird flu’ like we do for other viruses, but we do know that it has been in our environment for the last few years,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “People should take precautions to limit contact with the virus. Things like avoiding contact with any wild birds or animals that appear to be sick or are dead and following good hygiene practices such as handwashing.”
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (NYSDEC) Wildlife Health Program monitors the occurrence and impact of highly pathogenic viruses such as ‘bird flu’ in wild birds. The agency’s response is guided by the number of dead birds, bird species and new areas where the virus has not been documented previously.
People are advised to submit a report if they find dead raptors (such as eagles and hawks) or multiple (10 or more) dead birds in one place by using the NYSDEC Avian Influenza Reporting Tool. They should limit contact with the birds unless necessary; and keep children and pets away from them. If they need to be moved, people are advised to wear disposable gloves, a mask and eye protection, and to use a shovel if possible. Triple-bag the birds and put them in an outdoor trash can. Be sure to wash your hands and clothing immediately afterward.
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets works with poultry producers of all sizes, from small family productions to large commercial operations, to help them maintain healthy flocks. The agency encourages owners to take extra steps to protect their poultry populations and help prevent the spread of ‘bird flu.’ To report sick birds, an unexplained high number of deaths, or a sudden drop in egg production, owners are asked to call A&M’s Division of Animal Industry at 518-457-3502.
Cornell Wildlife Health Lab in Ithaca, N.Y. handles wildlife testing for the entire state. State and local agencies and municipalities each receive the results of any samples they have submitted to the lab for testing.
‘Bird flu’ is a viral disease in wild birds such as ducks, geese and other waterbirds. In some cases, the disease can spread from wild birds to domestic poultry. Symptoms include low energy or appetite, purple discoloration or swelling of various body parts, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, diarrhea or lack of coordination. Infected domestic poultry may also have reduced egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs. Some infected birds carry the virus without getting sick, which allows the virus to spread quickly and remain in circulation in various bird populations.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), avian influenza does not normally infect people, though rare cases of human infection have occurred due to close or lengthy unprotected contact with infected birds. Symptoms of ‘bird flu’ in humans include eye redness and irritation, mild fever or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. People experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact their health care provider for testing and treatment.
Hunters and people consuming wild game birds have a low risk of becoming infected, but they can further protect themselves by only harvesting game that appears healthy and cooking any game meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees which kills the virus.
Other preventive measures to protect yourself and your family include:
- Thoroughly cook eggs and meat before eating and wash all utensils and meal preparation surfaces with soap and hot water. Wash your hands frequently during food preparation.
- Consume only milk or milk products that have been pasteurized. Do not consume any raw milk or raw milk products.
- Owners of domestic livestock including cows, poultry and waterfowl should contact their veterinarian if their animals appear to be sick.
Dr. Ariane Hamblin-Smith, DVM, also advises pet owners to be mindful of their pets if they go outdoors.
“If your cat or dog goes outside, they could potentially be exposed to sick or dead birds or encounter an environment contaminated with the ‘bird flu’ virus,” said Dr. Hamblin-Smith. “If this happens, the pet could also become infected. Contact your veterinarian if you notice signs that your pet is feeling unwell.”
Symptoms of ‘bird flu’ in cats and dogs include fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, difficulty breathing and neurological signs such as tremors, seizures, uncoordinated movement or blindness.
The Oswego County Health Department continues to work with the state Department of Health and Cornell Wildlife Health Lab in conjunction with the NYSDEC, New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to address avian influenza.
For more information, contact the Oswego County Health Department at 315-349-3587. For more information on avian influenza, visit the New York State Department of Health website at https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/avian/.
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